Avaliação da qualidade de dentes artificiais utilizados para treinamento endodôntico em laboratório

Abstract

Artificial teeth have been used in dental practice because they are similar to human teeth and because they minimize the risk of cross infection, increasing the safety of students during practical classes. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of two brands of permanent artificial teeth with radiopacity, manufactured for use in endodontic laboratory activities. Six artificial teeth of the brands IM do Brasil Ltda. and Like Real were used; they were one incisor, one premolar and one molar of each brand. The evaluated criteria were related to the radiographic stages, access, odontometry and instrumentation of these elements. The analysis of the radiographic criteria was performed in a light box, where it was possible to evaluate the radiopacity and internal anatomy of the teeth. The access, odontometry and instrumentation were evaluated with the aid of clinical endodontic material, and it was possible to observe the resistance of the tooth to cutting instruments, the feeling of "falling into the void" during trepanning, the presence of a pulp chamber ceiling, simulation of the presence of pulp, and apical stop formation in the working length. The results showed that there were differences between the artificial teeth of the two brands in some stages of treatment. In the Like Real sample, there is no presence of material in the pulp cavity that simulates the presence of pulp, and little resistance to cutting of the burs used during endodontic access. With this, we conclude that although improvements are needed in both commercial brands, the IM do Brasil brand seems to be better indicated for teaching the endodontic practice.